Pro Angler 26 restoration advice

T

Tinker

New member
Hello All,

Travis here. I'm the one that bought Great Republic last fall. I think I'm going to bite the bullet and have an extensive restoration completed on her this late summer/fall. For multiple reasons I want to hire this work out. I will be taking the boat out to the Bellingham area mid-July. I've talked with PDR Marine about putting a transom bracket on her and installing an outboard as well as some of the other work I want completed.

My question for you local to the northwest is this: If my restoration list is larger than PDR wants to tackle, can you give me recommendations of where to go? I am at least set on PDR completing the I/O to outboard conversion. The other things I'm wanting to do are: repair soft spot in cockpit, add a rear helm, update all wiring and electronics, add raw water wash-down, fix minor nicks and dings in hull gel coat and repaint the hull (above water line as well as bottom paint), fix leaking through hull fasteners on bumper rail and I'm sure there are a few other things.

I know this is a large undertaking with substantial cost involved but I have my heart set on turning this boat into like new condition. Thanks in advance for any advice you want to give me.

-Travis
 
I remember that boat very well, looked at it 100 times myself. You need to get a photo album up! Sorry I can't offer restoration advice, but I look forward to watching it come along. :beer
 
I don't think the fiberglass work is necessarily up Les @ E.Q.'s alley and he's got lots of work to do with the Marinauts he's assembling. However, I'd ask him for advice on where to go. He's done a lot of custom work on C-Dorys and Rossboroughs in the past and he'll probably steer you in the right direction if he can't do the job himself.
 
EQ rebuilt my 14 C-Dory that was stolen. They did everything except the fiberglass work on the little boat. They will do minor fiberglass work, but don't usually take on big projects.

I believe they sub'd the fiberglass to Cap Sante Marine in Anacortes. Cap Sante does good work, but the cost was shocking.
Lyle
 
Bess-C":3erggfyn said:
EQ rebuilt my 14 C-Dory that was stolen. They did everything except the fiberglass work on the little boat. They will do minor fiberglass work, but don't usually take on big projects.

I believe they sub'd the fiberglass to Cap Sante Marine in Anacortes. Cap Sante does good work, but the cost was shocking.
Lyle
Click to expand...
Yes - EQ sent me to Cap Sante for my bottom paint and some minor fiberglass work also. I didn't think the cost there was out of line but I got quotes from a few other places too. So shocking might be a matter of perspective.
 
BrentB":2qgd45k8 said:
Is I/O running?
use it, repower later and move to other projects
Click to expand...

I'd say it depends on your goals for the boat and your time. When I bought my 22 I wanted to use it, of course, but what I really wanted was to take my time and do the initial projects I wanted done first, my way. It seemed there was a natural assumption that I would/should get out on the water immediately, but that wasn't my goal for this particular boat (or at least not immediately), once I gave it some thought. If you are content to either not boat for now (or have another boat to use in the meantime), then I'd tend to want to do the re-power now, along with the other work. This is because a lot of other systems and details would dovetail with the new engine(s), and I'd want to get it all coordinated. With as many tasks as you will have going, the boat will be "torn apart" and the "get 'er done" approach might work better in the long run.

I find that on a large project such as this, it's important to have other plans in place, such that you don't have a big trip or etc. planned for the boat on a specific end-date of the project. If you do, then any little delay or punch list item, or even large item that is discovered along the way (and all of the preceding are typical) will be torture and stress and rush, as opposed to simply part of the program that you expect and can take in stride.

I don't have a specific recommendation, as I'm not a local. But I would say to make sure your "gut" is happy with whomever you choose. In addition to good work being important, I value good communications skills, because typically much communication is necessary, and if that doesn't go well it can make the whole thing much more stressful. Also, take your estimates (I mean the ones you have made in your own notes) for time and money and calmly triple them. That way when they double it won't seem so bad. I slightly jest, but only slightly.

You have a fantastic boat there that I had to really work to talk myself out of when it was for sale! Definitely worth a restoration.
 
Get your plans in place and then find a competent marine architect/engineer and have him or her go over anything that is the least way structural. Most boat shops are not equipped to analyze significant mods, particularly removing IO and bracketing on OB's. Do it before you let any shop start work.
 
I agree with having a plan

My recollection was the boat was running and what better plan to run it now (after checking each system) and let the ideas flow
 
If you are going to remove the i/o you should come by and see my 27. It never had a i/o but the last owner installed a off shore bracket for a larger ( much larger ) outboard. I have a full width bracket / hull extension. I would recommend that over just a bracket.

If I had your boat I might keep the i/o and go with diesel.
 
In Bellingham, I recommend Jessie at Bitterend boatworks. If he cannot do it, he knows someone who can. He is located next to Hilton Harbor that has a lift and storage, so your boat will be in good care.
 
Obviously not the same, but 2 years ago I bought a custom kicker bracket from PDR and had opportunity to spend a couple of hours at the shop chatting with the owner and inspecting some of his installations. Looked like good quality work, both on brand new boats and old-boat conversions. (and I was extremely happy with the kicker bracket he made). I suspect you'll be equally happy with your conversion.
 
If you want someplace that can do the whole thing, you might check with Platypus in Port Angeles. They do from BIG to our size and have a very good reputation. Might be a bit out of the way but then it might price out too.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Thanks everyone for all the well wishes and advice. I will keep you posted... I've had a few different boats and a lot of time to make a wish list of what I want in the perfect boat and now I'm about to build it!

-Travis
 
Might want to also check out Schooner Creek in Portland. They do everything from repairs to full blows custom builds and have great glass people and a great reputation.
 
Just FYI.......I have a 26' ProAngler, 2005 with a bracket and 200hp Honda. If I can be of any help, like pictures or measurements, feel free to ask.
As already suggested I would try to use your present I/O if it is serviceable w/o a lot of $$$ investment. Otherwise my set-up works excellent. Actually the 200 hp is maybe a little large. I think a 150hp would be sufficient.
 
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